Alfie Jones was one of those to miss a penalty in the shoot-out defeat to Newport on Tuesday but felt it should never have got that far.

Gillingham had plenty of chances on the night against Newport in the first round of the Carabao Cup.

The Southampton loanee said: “The disappointing thing is that we controlled the first half, we were the better team and we created a lot more chances.

“We could have put the game to bed first half and going into the second half we had a fair few chances.

“Even though we didn’t score them, we didn’t manage the game well second half. We let them do what they do well, we let them put balls on us (and) that is disappointing.

“We should never have let it get to penalties. We gave away a bit of a silly foul and then didn’t deal with the ball in (which led to the Newport penalty). I still think it’s a bit of a soft penalty but the referee gave it and we have to deal with it.

“Penalties can go either way. I was disappointed not to score mine, but it should never have got to that stage.”

Newport scored a contentious second when Mikael Ndjoli was adjudged to have pulled an opponent.

Jones wasn’t the only one who thought it wasn’t a penalty.

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He said: “The Newport players on the edge of the box are saying ‘how has he given that?” When they are saying that you know it is a very soft penalty to be given against you.

“We should have had control of the game and been three or four up.

“The game is done and dusted, we have to get on the training ground.

“Blackpool (Gills’ next fixture, at home on Tuesday) is a massive game where we need the three points. We want to get the win for morale as well, we need that boost. We go into it with clear heads and we have to get the win.”

Jones, who has started his previous games in central defence, was playing a new role for the Gills, partnering Mark Byrne in the centre of midfield.

“I felt I did okay,” he said. “It’s a bit different, a bit more running and my legs were feeling it. I played there when I was younger and then again in the Checkatrade Trophy a couple of years ago.

“I feel I can adapt to that role and hopefully I did.

“Whatever the manager wants me to do, I will do it. I am here to help the team get wins and points. I am happy to play wherever.”

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